Film Classification: R18

'R18' films are only to be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shopts and to adults of not less than 18 years.  The 'R18' category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of condeting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. 

The following content is not acceptable...

• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law (material judged obscene under the act)

• Material including dialogue likely to encourage interest in sexually abusive activity (e.g. paedophilia/ rape) which may involve adults role- playing as non adults

• The potrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent/ any form of physical restraint which they cannot indicate withdrawal of consent

• The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm

• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing games

• These guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation

Film Classification: 18

A '18' is suitable for 18 years and over.  No one younger than 18 may see a '18' rated film at the cinema or buy a '18' rated dvd/video/video game.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• Where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.

•  Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals.This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault.

• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

Sex works at ‘18’
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.



Film Classification: 15

A '15' is suitable for 15 years and over.  No one younger than 15 may see a '15' rated film at the cinema or buy a '15' rated dvd/video/video game.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown bu the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.  The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (eg. aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (eg. hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (eg. 'fuck').  The strongest terms (eg. 'cunt') may be acceptable if justified by the context.  Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.  There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.  There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context.  Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.  The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.  Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.  There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

Film Classification: 12A

12A/12 is suitable for 12 years and over.  Exactly the same criteria is used to classify works at '12A' and '12'.  The '12A' category exists only in cinema, this means no one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film unless accompanied by an adult and films classified '12A' are not recommened for a child below 12.  An adult may take a younger child if they think the film is suitable for their child.  The '12' category only exists for dvd/video works so no one younger than 12 can buy a '12' rated dvd/video.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole.  Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror

Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (eg. hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free.  Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

Moderate language is allowed.  The use of strong language (eg. 'fuck') must be infrequent.

Nudity

Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.  Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.  Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Violence

Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail.  There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional glory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.  Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

Film Classification: PG

'PG' (Parental Guidance) should be general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.  Unaccompanied children of any age may watch a 'PG' film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.  However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger/more sensitive children.

Discrimination

Disciminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.  Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs

References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

Horror

Frightening sequences should not be prelonged or intense.  Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Imitable behaviour

No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.  No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Mild bad language only.

Nudity

Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent.  Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Theme

Where more serious issues are featured (eg. domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour.

Violence

Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (eg. history, comedy or fantasy).

Film Classification: U

A 'U' (Universal) film should be suitable for all audiences aged four years and over.

Discrimination

No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs

No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a clear educational purpose or anti-drug message suitable for young children.

Horror

Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to casue undue anxiety to young children.  The outcome should be reassuring.

Imitable behaviour

No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.  No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

Language

Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity

Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex

Mild sexual behaviour (eg. kissing) and references only (eg. to 'making love')

Theme

While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence

Mild violence only.  Occasional mild threat or menace only.

12. Violence, 13. Sexualised Violence

• Violence has always been a feature of entertainment for children and adults. Classification decisions will take account of the degree and nature of any violence in a work

• Works which feature the following are likely to receive more restrictive classifications: 

      Portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems
     Heroes who inflict pain and injury
     Callousness towards victims
     The encouragement of aggressive attitudes
     Content which depicts characters taking pleasure in pain or humiliation

• Sexualised violence or works which glorify or glamorise violence will receive a more restrictive classification and may even be cut

• A strict policy on sexual violence and rape is applied. Content which might eroticise or endorse sexual violence may require cuts at any classification level. This is more likely with video works than film because of the potential for replaying scenes out of context. Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut

11. Theme

• Classification decisions will take into account the theme of a work, but will depend significantly on the treatment of that theme, and especially the sensitivity of its presentation 
• The most problematic themes eg. drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia, incitement to racial hatred or violence are unlikely to be appropriate at the younger classifications
• However, there is no reason in principle why most themes, could not be presented in a manner which allowed classification at ‘18’ or even ‘15’

9. Sexual References, 10. Sex

• The portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to ‘making love’, to detail of real sex.  This is reflected in the classification system, in which progressively stronger portrayals are allowed as the categories rise
• Sex works (works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation) are likely to be passed only in the adult categories
• Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’
• Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category
• ‘R18’ video works may be supplied only in licensed sex shops which no one under 18 may enter
• ‘R18’ films may be shown only in specially licensed cinemas
• These Guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation

8. Nudity

• Natural nudity with no sexual context is acceptable at all classification levels, but will not occur more than occasionally in the lowest category
• Nudity with a sexual context will receive a more restrictive classification and strong detail in such a context will only be passed in the adult categories

7. Language

• Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language
• This may include offensive language with a sexual, religious or racial association or commonly understood rude gestures
• The extent of that offence may vary according to their age, gender, race, background, beliefs and expectations as well as the context in which the word, expression or gesture is used
• For these reasons, it is impossible to set out comprehensive lists of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category. The advice at different classification levels, therefore, provides general guidance taking account of the views expressed in public consultation exercises

4. Imitable Behaviour, 5. Criminal Behaviour, 6. Weapons

• Classification decisions will take into account any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques, and any glamorisation of easily accessible weapons, such as knives
• Portraying anti-social behaviour such as bullying uncritically may recieve a more restrictive classification 
• Works which, taken as a whole, actively promote illegal behaviour will be cut or rejected  
• Portrayals of potentially dangerous behaviour (suicide and self-harm) which children and young people are likely to copy, will be cut if a more restrictive classification is not appropriate

3. Horror

• The use of frightening elements which might scare/unsettle the audience is the key feature with the horror genre
• Many children enjoy the excitement and thrill of scary sequences, however if the films are targeted at a younger audience, the length and detail of the scary scenes will be looked at closely and be kept to a minimum when making the classification decision
• Horror effects such as music and sound will be taken into account
• If there is a swift/reassuring outcome the classification will be more likely to be lower

2. Drugs

• No work may promote the misuse of drugs
• Any detailed portrayal of drug misuse likely to promote or glamorise it may be cut
• Drug use may be shown if it emphasises the dangers of it, then it may receive a less restrictive classification
• Smoking, alcohol abuse or substance abuse in works which appeal to children may be taken into account
• Classification decisions will take into account any promote or glamorisation of such activities

1. Discrimination

Involves potentially offensive content, relating to matters such as: 

• Race
• Gender
• Religion
• Disability
• Sexuality

The classification takes into account and is influenced by: 

• The strength/impact of the above factors
• The context in which the factor appears
• Where discriminatory language/behaviour is clearly criticized and challenged and not encouraged in any way that it may receive a less restrictive category.

The 13 Main Issues

1. Discrimination
2. Drugs
3. Horror
4. Imitable behaviour
5. Criminal behaviour
6. Weapons
7. Language
8. Nudity
9. Sexual references
10. Sex
11. Theme
12. Violence
13 Sexualised violence

4. Overriding factors

There are certain overriding factors that may influence a classification decision at any level and in connection with any issue.  These factors are of particular importance when a work lies on the borderline between two categories.  Here are the factors they have to consider when classifying a film:

• Context – The audiences expectations, genre, filmmakers intention, production date, special merits of the film

• The tone and impact – If a film has an unsettling tone throughout it is more likely to receive a restrictive classification.

• Release format –A film could require different cuts/classification when releasing on DVD than in cinema and a DVD could occasionally receive a higher classification that in the cinema because of the increased possibility of under-age viewing

3. Legal considerations

• Human Rights Act 1998 – Rights established under this act include the respect for private and family life and freedom of expression.

• The Licensing Act 2003 – Cinemas require a license from the local authority in which they operate, which are:
1. The prevention of crime and disorder
2. Public safety
3. Prevention of public nuisance
4. Protection of children from harm

• The Video Recordings Act 1984 – Films, tv programmes, video games, adverts must be classified by the BBFC and they must take into consideration:
1. Criminal behaviour
2. Illegal drugs
3. Violent behaviour or incidents
4. Horrific behaviour or incidents
5. Human sexual activity

• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964 – It is illegal to publish work/films that are obscene

• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 – It is illegal to be in possession of an extreme pornographic image

• The Protection of Children Act 1978 – It is illegal to make, distribute, show or possess indecent photographs of children

• The Sexual Offences Act 2003 – It is illegal to expose oneself with intent to cause alarm or distress

• The Public Order Act 1986 – It is illegal to distribute, show or play to the public a recording of visual images or sounds which are threatening, abusive or insulting

• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937 – It is illegal to show any scene ‘organised or directed’ for the purposes of the film that involves actual cruelty to animals.

• The Animal Welfare Act 2006 – It is illegal to supply, publish or show or possess with intent to supply a video recording of an ‘animal fight’

• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 – It is illegal, in the course of a business, to publish a tobacco advertisement.

2. General principles followed

The BBFC have two general guiding principles that are always followed:

1. That works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment

2. That adults should, as far as possible, be free to choose what they see, provided that it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.

They also consider three main qualifications when applying these guidelines:

• Whether the material is in conflict with the law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.

• Whether the material may cause any harm at the category concerned (including moral harm)

• Whether the availability of the material, at the age group concerned, is clearly unacceptable to broad public opinion.

1. Who are the BBFC, what is their role and how are they funded?

• The BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification

• They are an independent, non-governmental body

• They are funded by and make their money by charging those who submit films and video works for classification eg. film distribution companies

• They classify films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act of 2003

• The classification is only a guideline and not the law so they can be overruled by the local council if they feel the certification is wrong

• They will not classify material which they believe to be in breach of criminal law

• They carry out responsibilities, where possible, through appropriate use of the classification categories, particularly in order the protect children from any harm which may be caused.  If necessary they may cut or even reject a film.

• The BBFC update their guidelines by through surveys and research from the public to see if public tastes, attitudes, concerns have changed and also if there have been any changes in the law.

The BBFC

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is an independent organisation funded by the film industry and the distribution companies and have nothing to do with the government. I didn't know anything about film classification or regulation before so the powerpoint helped me understand what the BBFC was all about and I learnt alot of information about them. I leanrnt that..

• The BBFC classify films for the UK and for the local authorities although it is only a guideline as the local authorities have the power to overule the BBFC and make their own certificates for that certain area.

• They classify films/dvds/videos and also most video games

• They classify these at either a U, PG, 12A, 15 or 18 and there are certain guidelines for each certificate that they follow every time

• They have the power to reject films completely although this hardly ever happens and only two were rejected in 2009

• BBFC will tell film makers where to make neccessary cuts if they want a certain certificate eg. if it was a 15, they would tell them which bits to cut to make it a 12A in order to reach a wider audience and make more money

• They will reject a film if it involves illegal material